WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR MATERIALS?

My materials are pelts and leathers I get from local hunters as well as an indigenous owned tannery. I also get my fabrics from upcycled and recycled clothes from thrift stores, donation piles, old home goods and other household fabrics.

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN THIS CRAFT?

I have always enjoyed sewing and learned how to sew from my mother. She taught me how to tie a knot and two different stitches. She gifted me my first craft scissors which remain my favorite pair to this day. I was introduced to skin-sewing from my Aunt Jennie Wheeler, an accomplished native artisan. After that I made a few pairs of moccasins for loved ones as gifts and decided to keep going. While Alaska Soles has grown, I am still the sole creator and owner behind the scenes.